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Colliding wind X-rays in γ Velorum (WC8+O9I)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 August 2017
Abstract
Our ROSAT observations of γ Velorum obtained over several binary cycles reveal substantial, and repeatable phase-dependent X-ray (0.1—2.5 keV) variations. The derived X-ray light-curve shows a 4 x increase in flux at phase ∼ 0.5, which is shown to arise in shocked gas formed in the collison of the two stellar winds, viewed through a cavity in the WC8 wind with an observed opening angle of ∼ 50°. This colliding-wind X-ray emission has Lx ≥ 1032 ergs−1 and kT ≥ 2 keV. Our 2-D hydrodynamical models of the system predict copious X-ray emission from the wind-collision region, at a level and spectrum similar to that observed. Harder (1—10 kev) X-ray observations with the ASCA satellite are being sought to provide improved constraints on the luminosity, spectrum and absorption of the wind-collision emission, and the complex theoretical models involved.
- Type
- Session VII - Hydrodynamics and high-energy physics of colliding winds
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- Copyright © Kluwer 1995